Well you replaced a tie rod in hopes of curing a loping engine problem. Tie rod ends usually don't have much to do with engine idle. How about motor mounts. These cars are getting old and the motor mounts are prone to failure. I would really get into that and see if that might not be the problem. You also mentioned that your vehicle was kind of floating around on the front suspension. Have you ever pulled the battery out and then removed the battery mount or platform to check under neath it. That big bar or tube running under that battery platform is a big, really big part of the front suspension. And battery acid, and debris and moisture can really do a number on that torsion bar. If it breaks on you while driving, it will really make your day and as you describe the symptoms I would really give that a look. You can't replace it without pulling the engine! That is much more important then a loping idle, which is annoying, but in the grand scheme of things, a riding passenger in your car could or would not notice it. This should be posted in the diesel section of the Forum.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!